Halò
casual
In Scottish Gaelic a casual "hi" is Halò. To go further and ask how someone is, say Ciamar a tha thu? to one friend.
Meaning: casual greeting (interjection)
Ways to say it
| Gaelic | Note |
|---|---|
| Halò | casual |
| Ciamar a tha thu? | how are you, informal |
A common answer is Tha gu math, tapadh leat, meaning "I am well, thank you".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
With several people or someone you speak to formally, use Ciamar a tha sibh? Both thu and sibh mean "you".
Did you know?
- Halò is a borrowing from English, and Gaelic speakers also greet with time-based phrases such as Madainn mhath for good morning.
Examples in context
- Halò, ciamar a tha thu?Hi, how are you?
- Halò, a Mhàiri!Hi, Mairi!
Example conversation
Calum greets his friend Mairi on the street in Stornoway.
- CalumHalò, a Mhàiri. Ciamar a tha thu?Hi, Mairi. How are you?
- MairiTha gu math, tapadh leat. Is tusa?I am well, thank you. And you?
- CalumTha mi gu math cuideachd.I am well too.
